Jan Gilboy
Business Development Director
Roadtrip Nation
“If you are willing to go above and beyond and do more and be more, people notice that and great things can happen!”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I moved to NYC from the midwest to go to college at Hunter College.
I thought I wanted to focus on art history and french but I had a horrible french teacher in college and I started failing in my french courses.
I wound up studying political science and philosophy and worked at a NGO / International Non profit for several years, which pushed me into writing and publishing.
I started at McGraw-Hill and became excited at new digital publishing and then got recruited to work for Forbes in their new custom publishing division. I then worked for a few ed tech start ups.
I worked at The New York Times for several years, which was a great experience as I got to bring some great reporters to speak at college campuses.
I then worked for Turnitin in sales and sales management which was an extraordinary ride for me.
I am now at Roadtrip Nation, which has been so fulfilling in so many ways. I love it!
Education
High School
Catholic Memorial High School
Catholic Memorial High School
Bachelor
BA
Hunter College
BA
Hunter College
Career
Business Development Director
I work with colleges and universities to partner in unique ways to support student success.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Education
Working with Others
Day to Day
I talk to various administrators at colleges and universities to discuss potential partnership opportunities focused on improving student success and positive career outcomes through Roadtrip Nation's various offerings. I am either in meetings, writing up proposals or doing other kinds of various follow-up work. Every partnership can be a little bit different, which adds to the variety of my work.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Network and meet people in the industry you want to work in! I can't tell you how many times I found a job through my connections alone. And take chances! You never know what can inspire you unless you try new things. And always be willing and open minded! That is so key when you first start out. If you are willing to go above and beyond and do more and be more, people notice that and great things can happen!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
BA
BA
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"My mother wasn't supportive of me going to college in NYC, having been born and raised in the midwest. She wanted me to stay close to home and follow a similar path to hers. "
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
